The UAE has grown into one of the world’s most important centres for gold, diamonds, and precious stones. This reputation did not happen overnight. It was built through consistent quality, transparent trade practices, and confidence in the UAE’s regulatory environment.
The industry has expanded and become more global, and regulatory expectations have also increased. High-value goods, international customers, and large financial transactions naturally attract attention from regulators. With the introduction of Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, the UAE has made it clear that anti-money laundering compliance is now a core responsibility for jewellery businesses.
For jewellers, bullion traders, refineries, manufacturers, and wholesalers, this law represents a new reality. AML compliance is no longer something handled occasionally or treated as a formality. It is now part of daily operations and long-term business planning.
Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025
Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 was introduced to strengthen the UAE’s approach to preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes. The law replaces earlier AML legislation and reflects the country’s commitment to meeting international compliance standards.
This law applies not only to banks and financial institutions but also to designated non-financial businesses, including jewellery businesses dealing in precious metals and gemstones. The reason is simple. Jewellery businesses handle assets that can be quickly converted into cash, moved across borders, or used to store value discreetly.
The law expects businesses to understand their customers better, monitor transactions more carefully, and maintain accurate records that can be reviewed when required. For jewellery businesses, this means greater responsibility and closer alignment between operations, finance, and compliance.
Why the Jewellery Industry Is a Main Focus?
The jewellery sector operates differently from many other industries. A single transaction can involve large sums of money. Gold and diamonds hold value across borders and currencies. In a global city like Dubai, customers come from many countries, each with different financial backgrounds.
These factors make the jewellery industry attractive for legitimate trade, but they also create risks. Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 recognises this and places jewellers firmly within the AML compliance framework.
The intention is not to restrict business but to ensure that jewellery businesses play an active role in protecting the integrity of the UAE market. Regulators now expect jewellers to be alert, informed, and prepared, rather than reactive.
Main Changes Introduced by the New AML Law
One of the most important changes under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 is how responsibility is defined. Authorities no longer focus only on intentional wrongdoing. They also examine whether a business failed to act when warning signs were present.
This means that even unintentional gaps in compliance can lead to serious consequences. Businesses are expected to demonstrate that they have systems, controls, and trained staff capable of identifying potential risks.
Another major change is stronger enforcement power. Regulators can request detailed records, freeze suspicious transactions, and impose severe penalties. For jewellery businesses, this highlights the importance of structured systems and reliable data.
The penalties under the new law are significantly higher than before. Heavy fines, operational restrictions, and reputational damage can affect a business for years. In a relationship-driven industry like jewellery, reputation is often the most valuable asset.
How Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 Affects Everyday Operations?
The impact of the new AML law is felt in everyday business activities. Customer onboarding now requires greater attention. Jewellers must be clear about who the customer is, how the payment is made, and whether the transaction pattern makes sense.
High-value transactions require proper documentation. Cash payments, split payments, or frequent high-value purchases may need additional internal checks. This does not mean refusing customers, but it does mean recording decisions clearly and consistently.
Inventory tracking has also become more important. Regulators expect businesses to explain how inventory is purchased, stored, sold, or refined. Any mismatch between stock records and financial records can raise concerns.
Staff awareness plays a key role as well. Sales teams and accounts teams must understand basic AML principles and know when to escalate concerns internally. Compliance is no longer limited to the management or finance department.
AML Compliance Challenges Exclusive to Jewellery Businesses
Jewellery businesses face challenges that make AML compliance more complex than in many other sectors. Gold prices change daily. Purity levels affect valuation. Diamonds and gemstones differ in quality and pricing. These factors make accurate inventory valuation and financial tracking essential.
Many jewellery businesses operate across multiple verticals. Retail showrooms, wholesale trading, bullion dealing, refining, and manufacturing may all exist under one organisation. Managing compliance across these interconnected operations becomes difficult when systems are disconnected.
Manual record keeping or generic accounting software often fails to capture the full picture. As regulations become stricter, these limitations increase the risk of errors and non-compliance.
The Importance of Technology in AML Compliance
AML compliance today is closely linked to data accuracy and transparency. Regulators expect businesses to produce records quickly and confidently. When information is scattered across spreadsheets, paper files, or multiple software systems, this becomes challenging.
An ERP system helps bring together inventory, finance, sales, payroll, and customer information in one place. This level of integration improves clarity and reduces the risk of inconsistencies.
For jewellery businesses, an industry-specific ERP system ensures that high-value transactions and inventory movements are recorded in a structured and traceable way. This supports both operational efficiency and compliance readiness.
How SUNFACET ERP Supports AML Compliance for Jewellers?
At Suntech Business Solutions, we specialise in ERP solutions for the jewellery and precious metals industry. We understand the practical challenges jewellers face, especially in the UAE’s evolving regulatory environment.
Our ERP solution, SUNFACET, is designed to support jewellery businesses across retail, wholesale, bullion, refinery, and manufacturing operations. It integrates inventory management, accounting, payroll, reporting, and third-party integrations into a single system.
SUNFACET helps jewellery businesses maintain accurate transaction records and inventory movement logs. Financial data aligns with operational data, making it easier to respond to compliance checks and audits.
The system also supports real-time reporting, which allows management to review transactions, stock positions, and financial performance with greater confidence. This visibility plays an important role in meeting AML expectations under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025.
Internal Controls with ERP
AML compliance is not only about external reporting. It is also about internal discipline. A well-implemented ERP system strengthens internal controls by defining workflows and approval processes.
SUNFACET ERP helps jewellery businesses reduce dependence on manual entries and informal practices. Structured processes help ensure that transactions follow approved procedures and that exceptions are reviewed properly.
This level of control reduces operational risk and improves management oversight. Over time, it also builds a culture of compliance within the organisation.
AML Compliance as a Business Advantage
Many jewellery businesses see AML compliance as a regulatory burden. In reality, strong compliance practices can support business growth. Banks, investors, and international partners increasingly prefer to work with businesses that demonstrate transparency and strong governance.
Clear records, accurate reporting, and disciplined processes improve credibility. For jewellery businesses looking to expand, access finance, or enter new markets, this credibility is essential.
By investing in the right systems early, businesses can reduce future compliance pressure and focus on strategic growth.
Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 UAE Jewellery Industry
Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 reflects the direction in which the UAE is moving. Regulations will continue to evolve, and enforcement will become more data-driven. Jewellery businesses that adapt early will be better positioned to succeed.
Preparation involves understanding the law, training staff, and investing in systems that support compliance naturally. Technology plays a central role in this transition.
Suntech Business Solutions’ mission is to help jewellery businesses reach their full potential through a balance of industry knowledge, technology, and experience. With SUNFACET ERP, jewellery businesses gain a strong operational foundation that supports compliance, efficiency, and long-term growth.
Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 marks a turning point for the UAE jewellery industry. It reinforces the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsible business practices.
For jewellers, bullion traders, refiners, and manufacturers, adapting to this new AML reality is essential. With the right understanding and the right technology, compliance does not have to be disruptive.
SUNFACET ERP from Suntech Business Solutions helps jewellery businesses manage this transition smoothly and ensure that operations remain compliant.
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